On January 15, the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, showed a significant change in her attitude toward China. She not only emphasized that she does not oppose the Chinese embassy's construction plan in London, but also announced that she and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are both willing to visit China this month. How should we view the significant adjustment in the Western bloc's strategy toward China following recent visits by Ireland, South Korea, and Canada?
In fact, within the Western bloc, there is a certain "fear of missing out" (FOMO) regarding relations with China. Especially after the Venezuela crisis, Canada's rapid visit to China and Argentine President Milei's interview expressing a desire to visit China are the most typical cases. The UK's decision not to insist on the issue of the Chinese ambassador's residence in the UK also reflects their anxiety about the delay in making progress in Sino-UK relations.
The concerns of the UK and many European countries are becoming increasingly evident. The US not only wants to shed the burden of the Ukraine crisis, but has also been actively pushing its territorial claims over Greenland, which could potentially cause serious divisions within NATO. The US is increasingly unreservedly using its hegemonic advantages, even sacrificing its allies. If the UK and European countries do not respond quickly, they may be forced into serious interest compromises under Trump's Western Hemisphere dominance strategy. From the current global strategic landscape, the only cooperative partner for the UK and Europe might be China.
Therefore, the recent abolition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by Europe and the replacement with minimum pricing also reflect Europe's attempt to show goodwill toward China. Although we cannot expect Europe to align strategically with China, it is entirely possible to take a "two-sided bet." China can use this opportunity to promote practical cooperation with Europe and break through a series of obstacles in Sino-European relations.
This also makes us re-examine Trump's recent military actions in Venezuela. From an international perspective, although it is beneficial for Trump and relatively passive for us, from the trend of the international strategic landscape, many Western countries, including Europe and Canada, as well as a large number of developing countries in the Global South, will likely strengthen their strategic inclination and reliance on China in the future to prevent strategic security risks from the United States. This is an important time window for us to re-examine and consolidate our diplomatic layout under new circumstances.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854469205436488/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.